Verdict
A
Performance Saloon · Germany · 2006-Present
Mercedes-AMG E 63
Mercedes-AMG E 63 — spec data and generation history.
Years
2006-Present
Generations
3
Segment
Performance Saloon
AMG's full-size monster — Q-car E-Class with a hand-built V8. W211 (2006–2009) launched the modern E 63 nameplate on the 6.2 NA M156 — 514 bhp, 7G-Tronic, RWD only, saloon and estate. Replaced by W212 in 2009. W212 (2009–2016) launched on the 6.2 NA M156 then switched to the 5.5 TT M157 (2011 onward, 525–577 bhp). W213 (2017–2023) standardised the 4.0 TT M177 V8 at 563 bhp / 603 bhp (S) with 4MATIC+ and Drift Mode (RWD-only setting). Saloon and Estate body styles. W214 generation continues 2024+ as a 4-cyl PHEV (E 53 only — no V8 E 63 confirmed at launch).
What changed
Era-to-era deltas
W211 2006-2009 → W212 2009-2016
BHP +11 bhp
Torque +0 Nm
0–62 mph -0.1 s
Top speed +0
MPG +0 mpg
W212 2009-2016 → W213 2017-2023
BHP +26 bhp
Torque +50 Nm
0–60 mph −0.6 s
Top speed +0
MPG +5 mpg
Generations
Click any generation for the full deep dive
2006-2009
W211
→
6.2 NA V8 (M156) — 514 bhp, 0-62 in 4.5s.
Verdict
A
BHP
514
0–60
4.5 s
Top
155 mph
MPG
21.0 mpg
Used
£18,000-£35,000
- + First M156 6.2 NA V8 application
- + Naturally-aspirated soundtrack
- − M156 head bolts
- − 7G-Tronic faults
2009-2016
W212
→
5.5 TT V8 — 577 bhp, 0-62 in 3.5s.
Verdict
A
BHP
577
0–60
3.5 s
Top
186 mph
MPG
23.0 mpg
Used
£18,000-£60,000
- + M156 NA V8 to 2011, then M157 TT
- + 525 / 557 / 577 bhp variants
- − M156 head bolts
- − AirMatic costly
2017-2023
W213
→
4.0 TT V8 — 603 bhp, 0-62 in 3.4s.
Verdict
A
BHP
603
0–60
3.4 s
Top
186 mph
MPG
28.0 mpg
Used
£42,000-£90,000
- + M177 4.0 TT V8 monster
- + Saloon + Estate
- − Heavy (2,000 kg)
- − Run-flat tyres
Known issues by generation
Common faults reported on each generation — useful when shopping the used market.
2006-2009 · W211
- M156 head bolts (well-documented),
- AirMatic strut failures
- 7G-Tronic mechatronic faults
- Camshaft adjuster solenoids
2009-2016 · W212
- M156 head bolts (early 6.2 NA)
- M157 turbo seal failures (post-2011)
- AirMatic strut failures
- 7G-Tronic mechatronic
2017-2023 · W213
- M177 oil cooler leaks
- Active engine mounts
- Wet belt timing chain access
- AMG-spec brake wear
Rivals
BMW M5 · Audi RS6 · Porsche Panamera Turbo · Mercedes-AMG C 63